The President of the BC Nurses Union says the new supports to allow internationally educated nurses to work in the province will help the many nurses who are ready and willing to work, but unable to.

Aman Grewal says the BCNU has been advocating for improvements to the assessment and licensing process for years.

“We know the process has left many frustrated and anxious. Some have told us of the challenges with the high scores required in testing for English, the difficulty in getting work permits and the high cost of assessment and registration,” she said.

“And sadly, we know some who have had to give up their dreams of nursing in B.C. entirely because the process was either too costly, takes too long or is unnecessarily complicated. Nurses trained outside of Canada bring valuable experience, skills and knowledge to our healthcare system.”

The BC Nurses Union has also long been complaining about a shortage of nurses in the province, with Grewal noting that burnout from the pandemic has made things even worse with thousands of unfilled positions across B.C. last year.

“[Nurses] are critically needed to fill vacant lines and understaffed units that exist throughout numerous health authorities here in B.C.,” Grewal said, noting nurses from places like the U.K., Australia, US, Ireland, India and the Philippines among others who are hoping to get certified to work in the province.

“We are in desperate need of more staff and these internationally educated nurses are one immediate solution to the nursing shortage. We know that nurses are tired. They are burned out and they need more support.”

But Grewal also says finding a solution to improve the shortage is both “complex and multi-faceted.

“I believe these efforts to streamline the process for these internationally trained nurses is one positive step in the right direction,” she added.

“BCNU looks forward to continue working with all parties on this important issue and we remain optimistic that these new investments will be followed up with further improvements designed to speed up the opening of doors for those who are so eager to provide patient care in our province.”